A wizard twirls his magic wand around, causing neon green sparks to shoot out; tantalizing aromas waft out of a kitchen where a chef is creating culinary masterpieces; a fashion designer drapes and pins fabric around a mannequin. All of these incredibly diverse people excel in each of their own trades now, but none of them reached that stage over night. How did they become professionals? Chances are, they were once apprentices. For centuries, children and young adults have faithfully studied skills under experienced masters. This concept of apprenticeship has been crucial for ancient civilizations and literature and continues on even modern times.
The apprentice archetype usually portrays a subject under constant learning with an openness to absorbing new information. The subject usually has found a source of teaching, a person usually called the master, who becomes the instructor of new information. In most cases, the apprentice is expected to complete tasks that reinforce their submissive position to the master and show a very high level of respect and obedience in exchange for their training. Generally, the master discourages any attempt to skip ahead to more advanced lessons, even if the apprentice feels that they are not sufficiently challenged by the current lessons. Training can include drills where the apprentice studies texts about whatever he or she is learning. Another method of training consists of the master forcing the apprentice into situations they do not feel ready to handle in order to get the apprentice to learn as they go.
The entire goal of an apprenticeship involves the apprentice eventually moving on into the role of a master. In some cases, the master may be teaching the apprentice in methods of their own making or to pass on a lineage. The master teaches their apprentice what they themselves learned as an apprentice. This relates to both the master's methods in training and also the content of the lessons. The master passes on wisdom and refines the apprentice's character, carefully developing the apprentice's mind, body, and skills. When the master feels that the apprentice has been sufficiently trained, the apprentice becomes a master in the trade himself.
The apprentice archetype stands today as such an important idea because it displays a person at the focal point in their journey of life - the development of a trainee into a master.
Greek Mythology: Perdix
Many years ago in Athens, Greece, a brilliant young boy named Perdix became an apprentice for his uncle Daedelus, a renowned inventor and architect. Perdix was a model student, a curious artist, and an apt learner. His skill grew under his master, Daedelus, and soon, his name was known throughout Greece. He invented the compass, chisel, potter's wheel, and the saw, which was inspired from ridges he saw in nature. Eventually, Perdix's creations were so perfect that his uncle Daedelus was forgotten: Perdix had reached the point where he could become a master. However, Daedelus, seething with envy and rage towards his nephew, pushed Perdix off a cliff one morning when they were decorating the Temple of Athena. Athena, moved by compassion, turned Perdix into a bird, and his soul still hovers over her temple as he mourns Daedelus' betrayal.
World Mythology: The 47 Ronin
Once in ancient Japan, a Daimyo, or head samurai, called Asano drew out his sword in anger when one of his peers, Kira, offended his honor. This was unacceptable in the presence of the emperor, and Asano was forced to commit seppuku, or thrust his own sword into his body, for breaking the law. Asano's followers and students, the 47 Ronin, were enraged at their master's cruel fate. They decided to take revenge, a display of incredibly strong loyalty to their leader. As apprentices to Asano, the 47 Ronin felt that allegiance to their master, who had nurtured them into the warriors they had become, was of utmost importance. Once the time was right, they attacked Kira and all of his followers, slaying all of them and killed the Daimyo. The 47 Ronin knew that because of this act, they too would be sentenced to commit seppuku, but allegiance to their master stood stronger than the fear of impending death. Literature: AlyceThe Midwife's Apprentice
Literature: The Sorcerer's Apprentice In Goethe's famous poem, "The Sorcerer's Apprentice," the old sorcerer leaves his apprentice behind in his workshop with chores to perform. The apprentice feels that this tedious job fails to challenge him at all, so he enchants a broom to do the work for him with magic he is not fully trained to use. The floor is soon covered in water, and the apprentice finds that he does not know how to stop the broom. The apprentice quickly splits the broom in two with an axe, but each of the pieces becomes a new broom and gets a pail to continue to fetch water at twice the speed as before. When all hope seems gone, the old sorcerer returns, quickly breaks the spell, and saves the day. This poem shows how an apprentice only brings trouble unto himself when he does not obey his master and submissively undergo his master's method of training like he is meant to do as an apprentice.
Literature: PipGreat Expectations
Pop Culture: The Godfather
In the classic mafia movie, "The Godfather," Santino "Sonny" Corleone stands out as his father's, Veto Corleon's, apprentice. Santino, a hotheaded, no-nonsense gangster, was chosen by Veto to become the head of the mafia once Veto retires. The model apprentice, Santino fearlessly follows Veto's orders, undertaking tasks without question. Everything Santino experiences while completing these assignments trains him further as a gangster in and a future leader of the mafia. Before Santino could make this transition into becoming an expert in his trade, he is shot and killed by another mafia family on his way to seek revenge on his brother-in-law for beating his sister. Had Santino finished his training, he would have become a master at leading the mafia because of his diligence and obedience to Vito as an apprentice. Real Life: Henry Ford
Real Life: Jamie Oliver
Jamie Oliver, one of the United Kingdom's most famous chefs, started his career as an apprentice. Growing up in his father's pub, Oliver knew he wanted to work with food. After going to catering college, Oliver started his apprenticeship, learning his trade by completing grueling tasks under his masters in the kitchens. Oliver trained under some great chefs and went on in his career to write cookbooks, open his own restaurants, and even have his own TV shows. Now, Jamie offers catering apprenticeships to young people through his restaurant, Fifteen. Through his apprenticeship, Jamie Oliver learned cooking skills that made him into a master among chefs today.
Real Life: Alexander McQueen
One of McQueen's designer dresses
Alexander McQueen, the five-year Chief Designer at the French Haute Couture House Givenchy and Creative Director of the Gucci Group, is a fashion designer who was catapulted to fame in less than 10 years. Of course, McQueen had not always been this successful. This fashion master's high school career culminated when, at 16 years of age, McQueen began an apprenticeship at the Saville Row tailors Anderson and Shepherd, followed by yet another apprenticeship with Gieves and Hawkes, the neighboring tailors. Both were experts in clothing construction. McQueen then studied under theatrical costumiers Angels and Bermans, mastering techniques now signature to the McQueen style. After being employed by several designers, McQueen returned to London, his hometown, where he received his hard-earned Master's degree in Fashion Design at St. Martins. Without being an apprentice, McQueen would not have gotten very far in his career. Alexander McQueen's apprenticeship shaped him into the respected fashion designer he stands as today.
Pop Culture: The Apprentice Television Series
Aside from making his name one of the most well-known in the world, billionaire Donald Trump is also the host of the hit TV show, The Apprentice. First aired in 2004, this television show requires applicants to go through a series of business-oriented challenges in order to become Trump's apprentice. At the end of this "interview", one lucky contestant hears the words, "You're hired!" This winner gets to work hard as they undergo training in one of Trump’s many hotels, casinos, or other business ventures as an apprentice under Trump and other masters hired at that certain business location. This internship leads to a myriad of career opportunities. Once through with the apprenticeship, the winner emerges as a master, fully trained in their trade, ready to take on their own apprentice if they wish to do so, or to thrive as an expert in the career they have chosen.
"Frank Duveneck (1848-1919): Virtuoso of the Brush." Taft Museum. Traditional Fine Arts Organization, n.d. Web. 23 Sept. 2009. <http://www.tfaoi.com/newsm1/n1m235.htm>.
Lienhard, John H. "Automobile Advertising." Engines of Our Ingenuity. University of Houston, 1997. Web. 17 Sept. 2009. <http://www.uh.edu/engines/epi1231.htm>.
Mishra, Sunitichandra. "The Story of Perdix." Bolo Kids-Network for Children. Boloji Media, Inc., 4
June 2006. Web. 15 Sept. 2009. <http://www.bolokids.com/2006/0191.htm>.
A wizard twirls his magic wand around, causing neon green sparks to shoot out; tantalizing aromas waft out of a kitchen where a chef is creating culinary masterpieces; a fashion designer drapes and pins fabric around a mannequin. All of these incredibly diverse people excel in each of their own trades now, but none of them reached that stage over night. How did they become professionals? Chances are, they were once apprentices. For centuries, children and young adults have faithfully studied skills under experienced masters. This concept of apprenticeship has been crucial for ancient civilizations and literature and continues on even modern times.
The apprentice archetype usually portrays a subject under constant learning with an openness to absorbing new information. The subject usually has found a source of teaching, a person usually called the master, who becomes the instructor of new information. In most cases, the apprentice is expected to complete tasks that reinforce their submissive position to the master and show a very high level of respect and obedience in exchange for their training. Generally, the master discourages any attempt to skip ahead to more advanced lessons, even if the apprentice feels that they are not sufficiently challenged by the current lessons. Training can include drills where the apprentice studies texts about whatever he or she is learning. Another method of training consists of the master forcing the apprentice into situations they do not feel ready to handle in order to get the apprentice to learn as they go.
The entire goal of an apprenticeship involves the apprentice eventually moving on into the role of a master. In some cases, the master may be teaching the apprentice in methods of their own making or to pass on a lineage. The master teaches their apprentice what they themselves learned as an apprentice. This relates to both the master's methods in training and also the content of the lessons. The master passes on wisdom and refines the apprentice's character, carefully developing the apprentice's mind, body, and skills. When the master feels that the apprentice has been sufficiently trained, the apprentice becomes a master in the trade himself.
The apprentice archetype stands today as such an important idea because it displays a person at the focal point in their journey of life - the development of a trainee into a master.
Greek Mythology: Perdix
Many years ago in Athens, Greece, a brilliant young boy named Perdix became an apprentice for his uncle Daedelus, a renowned inventor and architect. Perdix was a model student, a curious artist, and an apt learner. His skill grew under his master, Daedelus, and soon, his name was known throughout Greece. He invented the compass, chisel, potter's wheel, and the saw, which was inspired from ridges he saw in nature. Eventually, Perdix's creations were so perfect that his uncle Daedelus was forgotten: Perdix had reached the point where he could become a master. However, Daedelus, seething with envy and rage towards his nephew, pushed Perdix off a cliff one morning when they were decorating the Temple of Athena. Athena, moved by compassion, turned Perdix into a bird, and his soul still hovers over her temple as he mourns Daedelus' betrayal.
World Mythology: The 47 Ronin
Once in ancient Japan, a Daimyo, or head samurai, called Asano drew out his sword in anger when one of his peers, Kira, offended his honor. This was unacceptable in the presence of the emperor, and Asano was forced to commit seppuku, or thrust his own sword into his body, for breaking the law. Asano's followers and students, the 47 Ronin, were enraged at their master's cruel fate. They decided to take revenge, a display of incredibly strong loyalty to their leader. As apprentices to Asano, the 47 Ronin felt that allegiance to their master, who had nurtured them into the warriors they had become, was of utmost importance. Once the time was right, they attacked Kira and all of his followers, slaying all of them and killed the Daimyo. The 47 Ronin knew that because of this act, they too would be sentenced to commit seppuku, but allegiance to their master stood stronger than the fear of impending death.
Literature: AlyceThe Midwife's Apprentice
Literature: The Sorcerer's Apprentice
In Goethe's famous poem, "The Sorce
Literature: PipGreat Expectations
Pop Culture: The Godfather
In the classic mafia movie, "The Godfather," Santino "Sonny" Corleone stands out as his father's, Veto Corleon's, apprentice. Santino, a hotheaded, no-nonsense gangster, was chosen by Veto to become the head of the mafia once Veto retires. The model apprentice, Santino fearlessly follows Veto's orders, undertaking tasks without question. Everything Santino experiences while completing these assignments trains him further as a gangster in and a future leader of the mafia. Before Santino could make this transition into becoming an expert in his trade, he is shot and killed by another mafia family on his way to seek revenge on his brother-in-law for beating his sister. Had Santino finished his training, he would have become a master at leading the mafia because of his diligence and obedience to Vito as an apprentice.
Real Life: Henry Ford
Real Life: Jamie Oliver
Jamie Oliver, one of the United Kingdom's most famous chefs, started his career as an apprentice. Growing up in his father's pub, Oliver knew he wanted to work with food. After going to catering college, Oliver started his apprenticeship, learning his trade by completing grueling tasks under his masters in the kitchens. Oliver trained under some great chefs and went on in his career to write cookbooks, open his own restaurants, and even have his own TV shows. Now, Jamie offers catering apprenticeships to young people through his restaurant, Fifteen. Through his apprenticeship, Jamie Oliver learned cooking skills that made him into a master among chefs today.
Real Life: Alexander McQueen
Alexander McQueen, the five-year Chief Designer at the French Haute Couture House Givenchy and Creative Director of the Gucci Group, is a fashion designer who was catapulted to fame in less than 10 years. Of course, McQueen had not always been this successful. This fashion master's high school career culminated when, at 16 years of age, McQueen began an apprenticeship at the Saville Row tailors Anderson and Shepherd, followed by yet another apprenticeship with Gieves and Hawkes, the neighboring tailors. Both were experts in clothing construction. McQueen then studied under theatrical costumiers Angels and Bermans, mastering techniques now signature to the McQueen style. After being employed by several designers, McQueen returned to London, his hometown, where he received his hard-earned Master's degree in Fashion Design at St. Martins. Without being an apprentice, McQueen would not have gotten very far in his career. Alexander McQueen's apprenticeship shaped him into the respected fashion designer he stands as today.
Pop Culture: The Apprentice Television Series
Aside from making his name one of the most well-known in the world, billionaire Donald Trump is also the host of the hit TV show, The Apprentice. First aired in 2004, this television show requires applicants to go through a series of business-oriented challenges in order to become Trump's apprentice. At the end of this "interview", one lucky contestant hears the words, "You're hired!" This winner gets to work hard as they undergo training in one of Trump’s many hotels, casinos, or other business ventures as an apprentice under Trump and other masters hired at that certain business location. This internship leads to a myriad of career opportunities. Once through with the apprenticeship, the winner emerges as a master, fully trained in their trade, ready to take on their own apprentice if they wish to do so, or to thrive as an expert in the career they have chosen.
Research Link:
http://docs.google.com/View?id=dg8swqxv_1fv4b4hdp
Citations
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<http://www.alexandermcqueen.com/int/en/servicePages/aboutMcQueen.aspx>.
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"Frank Duveneck (1848-1919): Virtuoso of the Brush." Taft Museum. Traditional Fine Arts Organization, n.d.
Web. 23 Sept. 2009. <http://www.tfaoi.com/newsm1/n1m235.htm>.
Kaldera, Raven. "Sacred Masks: BDSM Archetypes." Baphomet's Temple. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Sept. 2009.
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Mishra, Sunitichandra. "The Story of Perdix." Bolo Kids-Network for Children. Boloji Media, Inc., 4
June 2006. Web. 15 Sept. 2009. <http://www.bolokids.com/2006/0191.htm>.
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<http://seattle.theoffside.com/team-news/great-expectations.html>.
"The Apprentice UK Season 1-2." RMVB-TV. Wordpress.com, 28 July 2009. Web. 21 Sept. 2009.
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“The Godfather.” metacritic.com. N.p., n.d.Web. 17 Sept. 2009.
<http://www.metacritic.com/video/titles/godfather?q=the%20godfather>.
"The Midwife's Apprentice." DiscountBookSale.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Sept. 2009.
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